Indian
batter Shreyas Iyer is one of the biggest names to feature in the
upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. IPL 2022 auction is scheduled for
February. Iyer played for Delhi Capitals since 2015. He was named the
franchise’s captain during IPL 2018. The right-handed batter also took the
franchise to their maiden final in the IPL in 2020. However, a shoulder injury
ruled him out of the remainder of IPL 2021 and Rishabh Pant was named captain
of the side. 

Also Read: Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer expected to fill Pujara-Rahane’s shoes in upcoming Sri Lanka Test series

Now
ahead of the mega auction of IPL 2022, Iyer was released by Delhi Capitals and
it is believed that he is looking for a leadership role. Royal Challengers
Bangalore (RCB), which is now without a captain after Virat Kohli stepped down
in October, is in the hunt for a skipper-batter. Iyer, no doubt, is a good fit
for them. Hence, the franchise has already begun preparation to sign Iyer ahead
of the mega auction to avoid a price war, reported the Times of India. The IPL
mega auction will be held in Bengaluru.

Also Read: IPL 2022 auction to be held in Bengaluru on February 12, 13

“Post
Virat Kohli quitting the RCB captaincy, RCB are really interested in having
Iyer as their next captain. Expect them to bid aggressively for the Mumbaikar
in next month’s auction in Bangalore,” an RCB official told TOI.

Also Read: Former IPL cricketer Rajagopal Sathish offered Rs 40 lakhs to fix matches

KKR, Punjab Kings are also in contention for Iyer 

But
RCB is not the only franchise that is looking for Iyer’s service. Kolkata
Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also looking for a solid captain batter in Iyer.

“The
Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are also expected to eye him in the
auction,” he said.

Also Read: IPL 2022: Ahmedabad franchise sign Hardik, Shubman, Rashid ahead of auction

Iyer
was also in the eye of two new entrants in IPL- Lucknow and Ahmedabad. But as
the franchises did not offer him the captain’s role, Iyer refused to sign.

The
Mumbai-born cricketer played 87 matches in the IPL so far and scored 2375 runs
at an average of 31.66. His strike rate of 123.95 makes him a dependable
top-order batter. His captaincy credentials in also pretty good, so he will be
high on demand in the IPL auction.